4 Takeaways from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 125-124 double overtime victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.
Lara been Croft
Shai Gilgious Alexander, 35 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 10 free throws. First day back in the office same as the last. SGA’s little chickenwing move to get space off for his jumper is Donald Trump waking up and deciding to cut off federal funding for an entire state-level of unstoppable. When Shai wants to get off a middy, a defender is getting an elbow in his breastplate.
All one can do is pray a gust sweeps the arena.
Another Top 5 MVP season buffering.
The Thunder will still need Jalen Williams.
Shai went 3-for-9 in the two combined OTs.
Fatigue from the first day at work was a factor, but we saw OKC’s offense suffer from scoring droughts during last year’s championship run— disrupted by a burst from Jalen Williams—who decided he didn’t feel like losing that night.
Pencil in SGA for another smooth 31 PPG. It was written.
Monsters Inc.
Upon hearing the news of Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL tear a few weeks ago, Ime Udoka sat in his lonely, divorced dad Houston apartment and popped in his one of his favorite comfort films. Watched Sully, Randle and the monsters slow-motion walking onto the scarefloor sparked an idea: “What if instead of a double-big lineup, we run an ALL-bigs lineup…”
6-foot-7 forward, Amen Thompson, ran the Rockets offense.
For Houston to make a Finals run, Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson, or even Jabari Smith Jr, must transform into true, reliable first scoring options.
Kevin Durant was born in the 80s. Either one of those 3 needs to develop consistent, effective scoring moves, or Durant will be at the Warriors championship anniversary ceremony in a wheelchair, tweeting “yo mama” at various teenagers and bots.
They’ll probably need to make a trade.
I don’t trust Tari Eason. He’s always holding down the turbo button.
And who knows when Dorian Finney-Smith will return from ankle surgery.
Houston needs shooters.
Personally, I pray they go 5-big all year.
They have 3 7-footers in their starting 5.
Ime Udoka is just fucking around on 2K dynasty mode right now.
Reed Sheppard is itty bitty
It’s really difficult being an NBA point guard when you can’t beat anyone off the dribble. It’s even harder when you are pocket-sized, capable of having your court vision stripped by a double team.
Reed Sheppard scored 9 points in 28 minutes on 3-for-11 shooting from the field (2-for-7 from 3) and 2 turnovers. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s superpower is getting away with elbow-blasting defenders, then Reed’s superpower is making an NBA roster with such an easily defeatable crossover. Reed must have the firmest handshake.
I do believe Sheppard can play in this league.
The Rockets don’t play the Thunder every game.
Most nights, Reed will have easier matchups and we’ll get a better look at his full offensive scope.
In the meantime, while you wait to face Austin Reeves and the Lakers, maybe do some dribbling drills, my guy.
Lu Dort is holding the Thunder back
Lu mastered the “the refs won’t call every foul” gameplan—transforming into an NFL pass rusher, ripping and raking past an O-Linemen, whenever he’s tasked with the on-ball defensive assignment—but that caveman “see ball, hit ballhandler” shit ain’t sweet if he’s a zero on offense.
Dort scored 6 points on 2-for-12 shooting from the field and 0-for-8 from 3. Cason Wallace stepped in for Jalen Williams.
Lu needs to decide if Cason Wallace is staying in the starting 5 when Jalen returns.
I’d love watching OKC first quarters when that first substitution horn goes off for Lu Dort and Alex Caruso to come off the bench and double powerbomb guys through the Spanish announce table.
Random Stray Thoughts
- I hope the Rockets sit down and openly discuss who should take the ball up the court. I foresee a season full of 5-second violations when all 4 centers march up the field, leaving behind their 5th after a made bucket by the other team.
- Ajay Mitchell is kinda sick with it. 16 points in 15 minutes off the bench. Pablo Torre needs to investigate the genetic engineering lab in Oklahoma, creating these basketball savants at an alarming clip.
AJAY MITCHELL 4-POINT PLAY AT THE BUZZER
🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 22, 2025
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